5 Special Holiday Experiences in the Western U.S.

The western United States, depending on the altitude and the day, can experience either mild or frigid weather. And so holiday events can range from cozy indoor dining to outdoor walks. We love the diversity of this area and have some wonderful ideas for your holiday in the West:

1. Warm Up with a Russian Tea Experience in Portland, Oregon

Russian Tea. Photo courtesy Headwaters

High Tea usually brings up images of cucumber sandwiches and ladyfingers. But in Portland, there is something new to experience on the tea scene. Noted Portland Chef Vitaly Paley and his staff add a Russian flare to tea that draws from Paley’s own Russian family heritage. The new Russian Tea Experience at Headwaters at the Heathman brings you specially formulated Smith Teamaker teas and dishes from Paley’s mother’s and grandmother’s recipe boxes.

Full Article on the Russian Tea at Headwaters.

2. Enjoy the Art and Bonfires on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, NM

 

Gallery windows on Canyon Road. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Santa Fe in Spanish means “holy faith,” and so it is fitting that Santa Fe, New Mexico is a true Christmas destination. Like other more well known Christmas destinations Santa Fe has all the magic, the lights and the joy of the season. However, the Christmas celebrations in Santa Fe are also deeply rooted in faith, history and culture. What you will experience in Santa Fe at Christmas is beautiful, authentic and spiritual. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a southwest Christmas in Santa Fe.

Full Article on Christmas Eve on Canyon Road.

3. Experience 5 Portland, Oregon Holiday Experiences

Tubas in Pioneer Square. Photo courtesy Travel Portland

Rainstorms or not, Portland, Oregon is filled with holiday spirit. Since the Pacific Northwest is known for having some damp, grey weather this time of year, the sparkle of lights and decorations is more than welcome. Here are some great places to enjoy holiday events and decorations and 5 of my favorite wow spots to experience Christmas in Portland.

Full Article on Portland Holiday Experiences.

 

4. A Favorite Holiday Event in Anacortes, WA - Winter Wonderland Walk

The Grinch. Photo by
Lara Dunning

Looking for a unique Pacific Northwest holiday celebration? At Winter Wonderland Walk in Anacortes, guests follow a lighted path to decorated campsites at Washington Park where festivities include caroling, s'mores, roasted chestnuts, campfires and the Grinch and Santa. 

Full article on Winter Wonderland Walk. 

5. 3 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in the Skagit Valley of Washington

Holiday display in the Skagit Valley. Photo by Lara Dunning

The Skagit Valley has more than eagles and snow geese in winter, it also has charming small town holiday celebrations in Anacortes, La Conner and Mount Vernon. Festivities include a town crier, a prawn pot tree, sugar cookies, pixie dust, and a parade that includes lighted floats and marching bands. 

Full article on the holidays in the Skagit Valley.

Christmas Ships in Vancouver and Portland 2016 Schedule

You know it's Christmas time in Portland, Oregon when the Christmas Ships sail on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. For over 60 years, privately owned vessels have paraded on the rivers, stopping to circle and wow onlookers gathered on bridges, shorelines and riverside restaurants.

Fleet on Both Rivers

Most every night for two weeks through the week of Christmas, the fleet will be out on the rivers. All skippers are volunteers and so you'll see changes in the 50 - 60 boats from night to night. Skippers have other parties to attend!

Each Christmas Ship handles their own expenses for fuel and decorations (some are quite elaborate). Donations are received from restaurants and hotels that are located on the waterfront. Donations are used for Christmas Ships, Inc. the coordinating body for this massive annual effort.

You can enjoy the Christmas Ships from Portland, certainly, but if you check the schedule you'll also find other locations such as Vancouver and Camas, WA where you can enjoy the spectacle.

The night I saw the ships, I was with a spirited group at Joe's Crab Shack, located in Vancouver, WA close to the I-5 Bridge. The ships paraded twice in back of the restaurant where onlookers gathered on the outside deck. We had carefully checked the schedule so we would know when to look for the ships. And, they were right on time!

Port of Vancouver Open House

You might enjoy seeing the ships from Vancouver’s port area. The Port of Vancouver is inviting the public to see the Christmas Ships, enjoy holiday treats and learn about the waterfront redevelopment at a Dec. 5 open house at the port’s Terminal 1.

The event is free and family-friendly and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the WareHouse ’23 event area in the former Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.

Activities are planned between the start of the event and the Christmas Ships’ anticipated arrival at Terminal 1 around 8 p.m. The Vancouver Community Concert Band will play live music, and coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and a cash bar proved by WareHouse ’23 will be available.

Also, the port’s waterfront project staff will be present to provide information on the plans to redevelop Terminal 1, the 10-acre original site of the port and home of its first warehouse. In the future the location might include a public marketplace, hotel, commercial and retail space, and visitor amenities.

No formal presentation will be given; rather the community is encouraged to causally drop in.

Parking is available at Terminal 1 as well as along Columbia Way. Outdoor ship viewing will also be available at the high dock above the amphitheater.

More Information

A full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations can be found at www.christmasships.org.

They also have a Facebook Page and will tweet updates @christmasships with either #ColumbiaFleet or #WillametteFleet